Happenings
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Religion & Catholic Studies Webinar Hosted by the Center for the Study of Religion & American Culture (RAAC)
A recent webinar offered a great opportunity to dialogue about the past, present, and prospects of Catholic Studies 60 years after the close of Vatican II. Thanks to Indiana University’s Center for the Study of Religion & American Culture (RAAC)… Continue reading
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Open Science & Religion Data Workshop in Aruba
Aruba offered the perfect backdrop for a rich conversation among several dozen sociologists and psychologists convened to think about open science practices in religion. Conversation partners from Pew Research Center, the Association for Religion Data Archives (ARDA), the Center for… Continue reading
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“Synodality and Encounter” in Oxford, England
Continuing the work and dialogue of synodality, I was honored to contribute to an Oxford gathering of synod participants and observers invested in understanding the historical, cultural, and theological significance of the 2021-2024 Synod on Synodality. Thanks to support from… Continue reading
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Consulting at the 2024 Synod on Synodality
As a papal-appointed consultor to the Vatican’s General Secretariat of the Synod, I spent much of October in Rome, participating in the concluding assembly of the Synod on Synodality. Nearly every day, I convened with Pope Francis and some 350… Continue reading
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Profile in East Tennessee Catholic
The Diocese of Knoxville’s paper-of-record, East Tennessee Catholic, profiled my work as a sociologist of religion and appointment as Consultor to the Vatican’s Synod on Synodality. Knoxville has been “home” for the past 17 years. I’m grateful for this community,… Continue reading
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New Research In The News
Great to see new research from Springtide Research Institute (of which I am Director) cited and featured in several national publications. Our new study offering a first look at Gen Alpha, Thirteen, has received coverage in Newsweek, USA Today, and… Continue reading
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Cover Feature in Messenger of Saint Anthony
What is the sociology of religion? What key issues face the Catholic Church in the next decade? I got to answer these questions and more in a feature story for Messenger of Saint Anthony magazine. This piece felt a little… Continue reading
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Faith in Public Life Panel at Chicago Theological Seminary
Great to be in Chicago to speak on a public panel hosted by Faith in Public Life at the Chicago Theological Seminary. The panel, “A Holistic Conversation Centering Intersections of Reproductive Health,” was timed to coincide with the Democratic National… Continue reading
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Assuming the Presidency of The Association for the Sociology of Religion (ASR)
At the conclusion of the 2024 annual meeting of the Association for the Sociology of Religion (ASR), I assumed my elected role as ASR President (2024-2025). I look forward to a great year working together with colleagues to serve our… Continue reading
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Feature Story in Knoxville News Sentinal
I live in Knoxville, TN — home to the Great Smoky Mountains and an outnumbered but growing population of Catholics. Our local paper took interest in my role at the Synod, prompted by questions shared by Catholics and non-Catholics alike… Continue reading





